SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Defence
The UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG25), led by HMS Prince of Wales, recently visited Mumbai and Goa for Exercise Konkan, where it conducted joint naval and air operations with the Indian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, centred on INS Vikrant. This was part of the UK’s Operation Highmast deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The drills simulated combined air missions with the Indian Air Force as part of efforts to improve military interoperability, strengthen strategic alignment, and deepen defence ties between the two nations.
Parallel to this, two new defence procurement deals were struck:
A contract for UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) for the Indian Army, reinforcing industrial collaboration.
An Implementing Arrangement worth £250 million for joint development of electric propulsion systems for naval vessels.
These deals not only enhance defence links but also support UK jobs — over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland alone are tied to the missile contract.
The exercise and associated contracts reflect the growing strategic-military convergence between India and the UK, combining operational collaboration with defence-industrial cooperation. For India, these tie-ups may encourage technology transfer, bolster indigenous capacity, and diversify supply chains in critical systems.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How should India balance strategic autonomy with deeper defence partnerships — and which segments (propulsion, missiles, systems integration) should it prioritise as co-development hubs?
Follow the full news here:
GOV.UK Press Release — Joint UK-India Carrier Strike Group